THE AMCHAM POST NOVEMBER 30 - 2019
HIV: SORRY, IT'S NOT A MYTH
EDITORIAL
By Constant-Serge BOUNDA, UNFPA Madagascar Representative
As we read it UNAIDS website: "Ending the AIDS epidemic is more than a historic duty for the 39 million people who have died from the disease."
Although Madagascar has one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates in Africa, HIV does exist in Madagascar. Nearly 39,000 people are currently living with this virus, 1,900 of whom are children under 14 years old and 37,000 are young people and adults over 15 years old. Although we do not hear much about it, there is an urgent need to stop the progression of the new HIV infection in Madagascar since the country’s new HIV infection has increased by 154% from 2007 to 2017, the highest in East and Southern Africa region.
We are pleased that in Africa and the Indian Ocean, things are moving:
For UNFPA, in the East and Southern Africaregion, we have set the goal to achieve zero HIV by 2030. Efforts are being made through various partnerships to make available screening tests and antiretroviral drugs so that each person can live a better quality of life while aware of their status and preventing HIV transmission. This is why we wish to make a call for action and partnership with actors in all fields, whether public or private sector. Preventing HIV transmission is everyone's business, and it is everyone's participation at eachlevel that will ensure the success of this common fight.
That is also the reason why we fully support the Government in its vision of universal health in Madagascar, and contribute to achieve the ambitious universal goal of 90-90-90:
- 90% of people living with HIV are aware of their HIV status.
- 90% of all HIV-infected people tested receive long-term antiretroviral treatment.
- 90% of people receiving antiretroviral treatment have a permanently suppressed viral load.
Taking opportunity of this day to inform is more than a duty. I am making my contribution here to reiterate that access to sexual and reproductive health is your right. This includes knowing your health and HIV status. With only 10 years left before the 2030 deadline, I encourage you to get tested, get antiretroviral treatment if you are HIV-positive and spread the word to fight this scourge.
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